Person

Lily Hetherington was the daughter of Elizabeth Eleanor Hetherington, nee Rewcastle. She was born on 27 December 1886 in Sunderland. In 1891, Lily was living with her mother at her grandfather, Joseph’s, house at 189 Roker Avenue, Sunderland. Elizabeth is listed as married but there is no record of Lily’s father.

By 1901, Lily’s family had moved to 108 Brandling Street, Sunderland. She was still living with her mother at her grandfather’s house and Lily’s aunt, uncle and cousin were also living with them. By 1911 Lily was living with her aunt, uncle and cousin at 96 Fulwell Street, Sunderland.

Lily joined her cousin, Lena, in becoming a nurse at the 4th Voluntary Aid hospital, Jeffrey Hall, Sunderland on 18 May 1915. Lena had been nursing at the hospital for around three weeks when Lily joined her. After around a year at this hospital, Lily was transferred to the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich on 11 May 1916.

On 1 June 1918 Lily began nursing in France, as part of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. She remained nursing there until 19 March 1919. Lily was awarded two scarlet stripes on 21 October 1918, a recognition of the length of her service as a Voluntary Aid Detachment Nurse. She was also awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Civil Parish: Sunderland

Birth date: 27-Dec-1886

Armed force/civilian: Civilian

Residence: 189 Roker Avenue, Sunderland (1891 census)
108 Brandling Street, Sunderland (1901 census)
96 Fulwell Street, Sunderland (1911 census)

Education: Bede Higher Grade School for girls, Sunderland

Family: Mother: Elizabeth Eleanor Hetherington nee Rewcastle
Grandparents: Joseph Rewcastle, Margaret Rewcastle
Uncle: Nathan Welton
Aunt: Jane Welton
Cousin: Lena Welton

Military service:

VAD nurse

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Gender: Female

Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham